YOUNG VOICE
Michelle's Wallet
Michelle woke up late one morning; she was rather cranky because she was taking time getting ready for school. With her hair a mess, she went to the kitchen and found her mother cooking breakfast. Michelle was irritated that her mother forgot to wake her up. She let out harsh words blaming her mother for ruining her morning. The latter just kept silent and later watched her took off, banging the door shut.
When Michelle was about to pay for her jeep fare, she saw that her wallet was not in her bag. Luckily, a schoolmate paid for her fare. When she finally arrived school, she saw a woman on the other side of the street. It was her mother. Dressed in her housedress, she was gasping for breath. Then she smiled upon seeing Michelle and raised her hand that was holding a tiny wallet. Michelle stared and didn't notice the tears in her eyes. She hugged her mother tight, not caring if the school bell already rang.
Michelle shared this story when we were in first year high school. I wept a lot when I heard it, knowing how important it is to celebrate a mother's love.
Human as we are, our emotions get the better of us and we forget the nine months that our mother carried us, the hours of painful labor to bring us out to this world and the years of patience.
A mom wakes up early for her multi-tasking. In the evening, she sleeps late, making sure that everything is in order.
Our mothers are not perfect. Yes, they can do everything but when they fail us, their single fault temporarily blinds us, forgetting her good night kisses and the orderly home she has provided.
When we are sick, we always reach out for her. In every failed exam or endeavor, she's ready to offer her hug and gentle words to make you feel better.
When my mother and I go shopping, she would just look at some clothes for a while then tell me she'll buy herself one next time. We end up buying all the clothes I like. She always say that she's already happy if she could purchase a complete set of groceries, but the point is she doesn't even enjoy half of what she bought. There are instances I would feel bad and guilty, but I couldn't do much right now. Not even when I become a professional someday, I feel like I couldn't do much to repay her. But, somehow when I become a mother I'll show my children the same love my own mother had shown me.
This coming Mother's Day and everyday while she's here, remember to show her your love.
When you come home today don't forget to greet and offer her a kiss. If you could spend hours laughing and having a good time with your peers, why not your mother, who continues to be with you even if every friend you have has deserted you.
If your mother's abroad, spare some change and call her. If you could spend twenty pesos on the internet chatting with someone you barely know, why not with your mother, who works overtime and extends hours just to put bread on the table.
When you both started the day with a disagreement, come home with a sorry face and apologize. If my friend Michelle did it, why couldn't you?
When you have your mom, be grateful. She may at times be imperfect. But her love never fails us.
To all mothers, Happy Mothers Day!
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@gmail.com or an SMS to 09186363090. View my blog at http://www.theyoungvoice.blogspot.com)